In Thunder Bay, Rodney Martin is the Director of Public Relations. He writes, “In the past year I have met so many wonderful people. I have been opened to a side of Christianity that I have never been exposed to before. A very loving community, driven people devoted to missions, and helping people. Just to be able to witness this has been a highlight of my year.”
Hospitality in Church
By Lila Graber
What does it look like to show hospitality at church? Life experiences are good teachers. Jesus’ words come to mind, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” I’ve appreciated warm welcomes when I’ve been a visitor. Less often, I’ve had those awkward, uncomfortable feelings of being an outsider when others either didn’t know how to engage or didn’t want to. Those experiences are important, too.
Years ago, when my sister was in the hospital being treated for cancer, I went to be with her for a week. On Sunday, I looked online for a church to attend. Since I was in a completely unfamiliar community, I chose one that was on the route to the hospital. I’m sure it was a good service, but the most distinct memory is that afterward, people gathered in clusters to visit. It was not a large church, but no one spoke to me or greeted me. At the time, it seemed most comfortable to leave. Another memory is the kindness of strangers who invited our family to their home for a meal after the service on the first visit to their church.
A Time for Prayer
By:Andrew Lang
Have you ever felt like there’s not enough time to do everything you need to do?
With 4 kids, a couple jobs and a house to build there’s no end to the demands on my time. On our staff prayer retreat this year we discussed “the ruthless elimination of hurry” and the line that stuck out to me the most was… “are you too busy to follow Jesus?”.
In ministry it’s easy to get busy doing things for God that you forget to spend time with him. Or we get caught going through the motions and not connecting on the level that we so desperately need.
As you read through and pray over the staff of Living Hope, pray that we would connect with Jesus each day, that our hearts would be filled to overflowing with his love and That we would be able to say to those that we are interacting with, follow me as I follow Jesus.
Miracles and Answered Prayer
By Rodney Martin, Thunder Bay
Miracles. When it comes to miracles in the Bible, we often see an event or situation that involves a powerful move or a powerful display of God’s power. The display often surpasses our natural laws or understanding. These miracles are extraordinary occurrences that can only be explained and attributed to the supernatural work of God. Whenever God does miracles in the Bible, it is to reveal Himself: His character, His love, and His purposes to us.
Miracles can provide evidence of God’s power and presence to the world and demonstrate His authority and love on behalf of His servants. A miracle can be performed directly by God or through His servants. Other words used to describe God’s miracles in the bible are signs and wonders (often used together), powers, and mighty works. And quite often, as believers, we share these testimonies of God’s miracles to encourage one another.
Living Hope hired Rodney Martin in August as Public Relations Director. He is originally from Constance Lake and pastored in Sachigo Lake for a time. His contribution to the organization is invaluable. Here is his perspective on partnership:
What does partnership look like? The question when posed seemed to baffle me, because it was something I never really thought about. So when I looked up the definition, this is what I found: A partnership consists of two or more people who combine their resources for a greater purpose.
And that was when I began to feel very uncomfortable. “Two people combine their resources…” What could I, as a First Nation person, possibly bring to the table that has any value? My native mindset is telling me, “this will be a very unbalanced, one sided partnership.” (Kind of like my partnership with Christ…but that’s another topic.) But if I’m honest, in my mind this will seem more like a white dominated partnership where once again I’m defaulted to live on handouts and sympathy, having made no real contribution to this relationship.
By Mary Keesic
One of the values of Living Hope Native Ministries is to develop local churches that disciple believers to learn and grow in faith and in their knowledge of Jesus. Why is discipleship important? In our busy world, is discipleship happening?
By definition, a disciple is a learner, a follower of Jesus. He is teachable and in training by instruction and exercise to grow into a mature believer. Jesus said in Matthew 29:19, “Go…and make disciples of all the nations”.
Jamie and Rhonda Thornton live in Parry Sound, where God has faithfully opened doors for new relationships in the communities in the Georgian Bay area. They are blessed to reconnect with young people after the pandemic, and enjoy talking about faith and answering questions about Jesus. Their hope is to start a drop-in centre for First Nations youth. Jamie and Rhonda thrive on stepping out to journey with friends through the highs and lows of life, all the while pointing them to the hope that can only be found in Jesus.
Kevin and Norma Moore share the highlights of 2022 in Sudbury…
A quarterly publication presenting news and stories of Living Hope Native Ministries, a partnership dedicated to serving the First Nations of Ontario. Several informational evenings were held in Pennsylvania and Delaware at the end of June. Stuart and Delores Swartzentruber and Jeff and Mary Kirkpatrick shared ministry updates, and connected with interested supporters while enjoying…
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A quarterly publication presenting news and stories of Living Hope Native Ministries, a partnership dedicated to serving the First Nations of Ontario.
Do you feel called to share God’s love with children and teens? Two communities have openings for people who are willing to serve by assisting with established ministries for young people.
Two churches are looking for people to join them in serving and strengthening the local fellowship of believers. The ideal candidate is willing to serve, learn from, and care for the church in a small town setting.
By Merle Nisly
Even while we commit our ways and our days into God’s hands, sometimes we are forced to make drastic changes to our plans and to our perspective on the future.
December 2021 has brought into sharp focus the reality of death and the uncertainties about the plans we make for ourselves and for our families. Within a week, two elders who were dear friends of ours left their spouses, families, and communities grieving their sudden passing.
It makes us wonder if, or when, our plans for life and for family will be altered just as suddenly. Would I adapt and embrace the new outlook in similar circumstances?
© 2025 Living Hope Native Ministries.